When to Plant Gerbera Daisies?

The gerbera daisy is a perennial plant, but it is often grown as an annual flower. Depending on the USDA hardiness zone that you garden in, gerbera daisies can bloom in different seasons. Part of the sunflower family, the gerbera daisy comes in an array of vibrant colors including red, yellow, pink, purple, white and green. The gerbera daisy makes a good cut flower, and if you want to grow it as a perennial plant, you can with careful cultivation.

When to Plant

Plant gerbera daisies in the spring after the first frost is past and when the temperatures in your USDA hardiness zone are between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Gerberas can continue to be planted throughout the summer since they bloom at any time of the year, depending on the outdoor temperature. Plant gerberas with their crowns elevated, in rich soil that receives full sun. In very hot planting zones, plant gerbera daisies in partial shade to keep them from wilting.

When to Start From Seed

Gerbera daisies are a common cut flower.

Start your gerbera daisy plants from seed about four to six weeks before you plan to set them out. Be sure that all frost has past before you plant the seedlings. If you want to grow gerberas as a houseplant, you can start seeds indoors at any time and grow them at room temperature. To plant them outdoors, harden off the seedlings before planting them by setting them outside in the shade. Set them out for one hour at first, eventually building up to six to eight hours. They will be ready to plant when they can sustain a full day outside. Plant the seedlings in well-prepared soil.

Seasonal Watering Conditions

Keep a close eye on the gerbera roots if planted during the wetter spring season. Because the gerbera daisy’s roots sink deeper into the crown over time, too much water may cause crown rot in your plant. If planted in the dryer summer months, gerberas will need extra water, but because they can be over-watered, be sure you plant them in well-drained soil. Water the gerbera daisy deeply instead of with frequent shallow waterings. Add one to two layers of mulch around the plant’s crown to keep the soil around the gerbera daisy moist in between waterings.

Gerberas All Year

Caring for your gerbera plants well will keep them blooming for a longer period. Keep an eye on the gerbera’s roots and if the crown is sinking, then lift the plants by digging underneath and adding soil. Gerbera daisies are frost sensitive, so never plant them too early and cover them with mulch during colder weather. In colder zones, transfer your gerbera daisies to pots and replant in the spring.